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Before Playing ‘Simple Man’, Lynyrd Skynyrd Had to Say This About the Troops

“Well that’s a great song and something that I think we all live by. I think anybody out there needs to respect their mother, and the words of their mother. It’s mama talking to you in that song,” said current Lynyrd Skynyrd frontman Johnny Van Zant in 2010, whose late brother (along with fellow band cofounder Gary Rossington) wrote the song, “Simple Man”, more than 40 years ago.

“Oh, take your time, don’t live too fast
Troubles will come and they will pass
You’ll find a woman and you’ll find love
And don’t forget, son, there is someone up above”

It’s a song they played at a recent show, right after Van Zant said a few powerful, heartfelt words that mama failed to include in the original ode, between guitar riffs.Words about the brave men and women who protect and serve America, all over the world.

Fittingly, it all went down at SeaWorld ®, Orlando, a park which offers this substantial military discount to current and former service members and their families.

“Anybody got anybody serving in our great military, just stick your hands up. Tell them Lynyrd Skynyrd loves them more than …

Anybody serve in our great military? We thank you for your service. God bless each and every one of you.

Listen, this song goes out to our troops who have served, who are serving now and who will serve our great country … And their families. No matter where they are tonight …”